Poor garbage disposal baffles Masindi vendors as UPDF intervenes
He noted that while the security-led clean-up is commendable, it is not a permanent solution, warning that the town may soon return to poor sanitation if authorities fail to act.
Masindi: Vendors operating in Masindi Central Market and Kijura Market have raised concerns over poor garbage disposal, saying the situation is affecting their businesses and sanitation.
The complaints were sounded Monday morning shortly after the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), together with other security agencies including Police and Prisons, conducted a general clean-up of Masindi town, Central Market, Kijura streets and Kijura Market ahead of the Tarehe Sita commemoration scheduled for February 6, 2026, in the Kigezi region.
Naume Katusabe, a vendor at Masindi Central Market, says garbage collection in the market is irregular, noting that the garbage truck can take up to a month without transporting waste to the dumping facility.
Another vendor, Zubenda Kyosaba, says the market lacks cleaners and that drainage channels are blocked by garbage, yet vendors continue to pay taxes to the municipality.
However, Japhan Mandela, a vendor at Kijura Market, blames fellow vendors for poor waste management, saying many refuse to take their garbage to the designated collection truck, which undermines proper garbage disposal.
Gen. Onesimus Kakuru, the Political Commissioner at the UPDF Artillery Division, says the clean-up exercise in Masindi town, Central Market, Kijura Market and Masindi Hospital was part of the UPDF’s efforts to give back to the community.
Gen. Kakuru adds that the UPDF has also repaired boreholes, rehabilitated toilets at Masindi Central Market, and plans to conduct free medical camps in the four divisions of Karujubu, Central, Nyangahya and Kigulya.
Masindi Resident District Commissioner, Darius Nandinda, commended the UPDF and sister security forces for promoting cleanliness but urged municipal authorities to take responsibility for sustained garbage management.
He noted that while the security-led clean-up is commendable, it is not a permanent solution, warning that the town may soon return to poor sanitation if authorities fail to act.
Meanwhile, Rogers Amanyire, the NRM flag bearer for Masindi Municipality Mayor, called upon security personnel to vote for President Yoweri Museveni in the January 15, 2025 elections, citing development achievements in Masindi and the country.
The 45th Tarehe Sita national commemoration will be held in the Kisoro region on February 6 under the theme: “Defending the gains of the revolution and honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters: A call for national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation.”
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